Yes, another 1911 thread, and another Les Baer question.

[locosway]

I'm interested in the SRP or perhaps the Custom Carry. One thing that bothers me is their lack of a warranty. Their website says:

On all custom pistols and rifles we want your 100% satisfaction. As long as customer abuse has not created a problem, we will probablyusually ammunition related and we can help you over the phone with any concerns you might have. If you have questions, please feel free to call during office hours.

Probably doesn't instill confidence when buying a $2500 pistol. And ammo problems on a $2500 pistol? I hope not...

They also go on to say:

So, they refuse to have any stated warranty. It's their business, that's fine, but I would think that anyone who takes pride in their craft would guarantee their product. It may not be cheap, but it's the right thing to do.

Given that they do hand build their guns, and they have a high quality control process, the chances of getting a lemon are slim, but with their policies, one could really be out $2500 with no recourse.

I'm sure all the current LB owners will say their guns run like a top, right?

[freonr22]

Don't own one, but if they didnt stand behind their product, they would be out of business. I would not trip. How long have they been around?

[locosway]

Don't own one, but if they didnt stand behind their product, they would be out of business. I would not trip. How long have they been around?

Since 1991. I know they make quality pistols, but it seems odd that they don't have a warranty on their guns.

[colossians323]

much like super cars, I guess they are comparable to that?

[locosway]

much like super cars, I guess they are comparable to that?

Considering even they have warranties, as do must firearms...

[Beetle Bailey]

I got a Custom Carry in 2008. It had three failures in the first two magazines (part of the break-in process I already knew about) and has been 100% since then for over 3K rounds. I really should shoot it more since it runs like a top.

[locosway]

I got a Custom Carry in 2008. It had three failures in the first two magazines (part of the break-in process I already knew about) and has been 100% since then for over 3K rounds. I really should shoot it more since it runs like a top.

Did LB say it needed to be broken in?

I'm really not a fan of guns that don't run out of the box.

[Beetle Bailey]

Yes. All the Les Baers need to be broken in since they are fit so tight. It was normal and expected.

[23 Blast]

Did LB say it needed to be broken in?

I'm really not a fan of guns that don't run out of the box.

Considering your sig, I think your sentiments are understandable.

Seriously though - I'm with you. While I understand mechanically that sometimes there is indeed a break in period, why is it that Glocks, xDs, Rugers, Sig Sauers, Berettas, CZs, and just about almost every other handgun on the market don't seem to require these break in periods?

Certainly, anecdotal evidence indicates that almost every gun runs better and more smoothly after its had at least 500-1000 rounds through it, but if I were to buy a Ruger today, clean it and lube it but never fire it, then take it out of my safe five years from now, I could fully expect it to run flawlessly for at least 100 rounds if I needed it to.

[r3dn3ck]

a ruger is not a custom gun. It's a production line gun with tolerances that are suitable to such things. A LB 1911 is a very very tightly fitted hand crafted work of pistol art and it would not be suitable for the average person to even own one due to that. It's all about expectations. When I buy a fine pair of shoes I expect that they're going to be really comfy right off the bat but that after I walk a mile in them they'll be as comfortable as they were designed to be. Same thing. No out of the box ruger centerfire semi auto will hold the groups that ANY out of the box les baer will.

[k55f]

I was looking at a Les Baer a couple of months ago from a private party...I copied the serial # and called LB. The man himself talked to me and talked me out of buying the pistol aas it was an early alloy frame, and he warned that the early frames didn't hold up to comp shooting.
I believe that that says a buttload about the integrity of the manufacturer-he admitted that there were problems with his product, and was man enough to admit it.
Most warranties aren't worth the paper that they are printed on, the proof is in the integrity of the company. I am pretty sure that Les will stand behind any gun that he builds - as far as materials and worksmanship go. Mis-use it at your own risk.

[Lovin]

HiPoints have lifetime warranties.

Go buy one of them.

[9mmepiphany]

Since 1991. I know they make quality pistols, but it seems odd that they don't have a warranty on their guns.

It's part of the culture of high end 1911s...I don't think any of the 1911 smiths on Louder Than Words has a written warranty, but they all offer a Lifetime Warranty to the original owner. My Sig gunsmith is the same way, no written warranty, but he'll fix anything that goes wrong with the gun as long as he or you are alive...the only restriction he enforces is that he has limits on the ammo you run through his 10mm conversion of a Sig 220.

It reminds me of Nikon and Leica...back when they were the top of the 35mm camera world. Their warranty was for 6 months...but they'd fix anything that went wrong if you sent it in. The famous story is about the guy who sent back a pair of Leica binoculars after they had been trampled by an elephant...they replaced it.

Another way of looking at the lack of warranties is that they believe that their reputation for standing behind their product is so strong that you don't need a warranty.

If you didn't trust their quality, why would you spend your money on their product?

[zfields]

It's part of the culture of high end 1911s...I don't think any of the 1911 smiths on Louder Than Words has a written warranty, but they all offer a Lifetime Warranty to the original owner. My Sig gunsmith is the same way, no written warranty, but he'll fix anything that goes wrong with the gun as long as he or you are alive...the only restriction he enforces is that he has limits on the ammo you run through his 10mm conversion of a Sig 220.

It reminds me of Nikon and Leica...back when they were the top of the 35mm camera world. Their warranty was for 6 months...but they'd fix anything that went wrong if you sent it in. The famous story is about the guy who sent back a pair of Leica binoculars after they had been trampled by an elephant...they replaced it.

Another way of looking at the lack of warranties is that they believe that their reputation for standing behind their product is so strong that you don't need a warranty.

If you didn't trust their quality, why would you spend your money on their product?

Sorry, but in this day and age, if it aint in writting, Ill pass. I really wish reputation and pride in work was worth a damn anymore.


Not saying this targeted towards LB, but just a general statement.

[9mmepiphany]

Sorry, but in this day and age, if it aint in writting, Ill pass. I really wish reputation and pride in work was worth a damn anymore.

That would make you a customer they might not need. In the case of my Sig Pistolsmith, it has only been in the last three years that he has asked for money before the gun was delivered...and he used to make his living making high end 1911s (both for competition and Art)